5 things to keep in mind when buying a new home

1. Commit

A knowledgeable buyer makes a conscious decision and commitment to buy, dealing with finance issues first, taking time off from work to look, but at the same time keeping emotions in check, while listening to their chicagoland realtor for advice along the way.

2. Who Represents You

Today, home buyers can and certainly should be represented by their own agent – Chicagoland real estate agent - who is bound by contract to do everything possible to protect the buyer's interests, getting the best service and counseling thorough out the buying process.

3. Neighborhood

Most buyers should consider neighborhood factors like schools, distance from work, distance from hospitals, general appearance and relative affordability before running out to look at various homes for sale.  It is disappointing when you like a home but ends up being unsuitable or in an unaffordable area. A chicagoland realtor can help you to not make that mistake.

4. Right Offers

· Make an offer once your chicagoland real estate agent is hired, loan is approved, neighborhood is determined. It needs to be the right offer. To be successful the buyer should listen closely to your agent’s advice. 
Among other factors, a low ball offer puts the seller on the defensive, and an offer that is too high can also send the wrong signal, especially if the home was just put on the market.

5. Home Inspection

· Most home buyers, even those who have bought and sold many times, are not experts in construction issues, building codes, safety issues and many other items. Your chicagoland realtor will know what steps you need to take in order to get the home inspected. This is likely to be the largest purchase of your life, so a few hundred dollars on a home inspection is definitely money well spent.

Seniors and the Housing Market

Seniors are demanding housing, but are also contributing to an important and growing quantity of housing in supply. Younger buyers are beginning to purchase houses that older homeowners are seeking to sell. An experienced chicagoland real estate agent can help make taking these steps move much smoother. The household closures are continuing to exceed that of household building, meaning that the market releases more housing units into the supply than it sells. The high number of people from the baby boom era will expand the number of seniors in the next two or so decades, and this will also expand the number of homes being released into the market over the next four or so decades. This will create new challenges as well as new opportunities for housing policies in years to come. The increase is likely to hit the hardest in the Northeast and Midwest housing markets. It is important to have a chicagoland realtor that knows what is to come so he can guide you through the buying/selling process.

         Regardless of the economy and policy, Echo Boomers will account for up to 80 percent of the occupied housing bought by people under 65 before 2020. Resulting demand would help houses that are currently vacant or that are suspended  from the market. Having a chicagoland realtor who understands this demand will be a terrific asset while looking for a new home.

         In the chicagoland area, as people age, they tend to find themselves in retirement communities, but still have a home that they would either like to pass on to their family or even put on the market. A chicagoland realtor can help make these dreams a reality.

Robert Rizza has been a realtor in Addison for over 20 years and has good insight as to where the market is going, and how you can make the best of it.

Top Reasons Your Home Isn't Selling

Five reasons houses don't sell, and how to go about addressing these issues.

·      Buyer's Market


o   The number one problem is overpricing a home. A high price can quickly turn away buyers and prevent them from even taking a look at the property. It's the hardest thing you'll have to ever do but your Chicagoland realtor will help you find a reasonable asking price.

·      Poor Investment Choices

o   You've spent a lot of time and energy refurbishing your home, but did you use it in all the wrong places? The biggest sellers are kitchens and bathrooms. Other rooms may need a little help, but these two areas are very important to buyers. Something as simple as a few new appliances easily double the appeal of a room. Your Chicagoland realtor has seen a lot of houses and knows what works well and what doesn’t, so be sure to ask for a few suggestions.

·      Lighting Issues


o   Buyers want their future house to be inviting, so adding just a few brightening installations, such as lighter paint and opening the curtains, can help a small room become roomier. It is important to capitalize on lighting during the selling process.

                                                ChicagolandRealtor

·      Too Personal!

o   You've made your house a home. You gave it character, but remember that most people do not have the same taste in decor. Keep your home as neutral as possible so that the buyers can envision themselves there and not be overwhelmed by your particular style. This doesn't mean you have to go overboard and paint every wall white. Just eliminate anything that appears unusual to the rest of the general population.
                                                Chicagoland Realtor

·      Eyesores

o   The last thing people want to see when viewing a home is things they will have to fix or replace in the future. Have your Chicagoland Realtor take a look at what needs to be done in order to make your home more desirable to buyers. Even taking steps like covering an old couch, or placing a rug over a carpet stain can make a big difference. After that, be sure to enhance the selling points by cleaning the windows, making sure you have a well-manicured lawn, and something as simple as lighting candles in the bathroom can make the house more appealing. If you're already moved out, it isn’t a bad idea to rent some furniture for the open house: a furnished home always looks better than an empty space.

                                                                                    ChicagolandRealtor

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Chicagoland Realtor - How to Negotiate in a real estate transation

There are many things that are done in the negotiation process. The following is a list of common ways to negotiate. 

·      Make A Low Reasonable Offer

o   Simply make a lower offer than the Seller's price. Some Sellers may refuse to counter low offers, but a good Realtor in Chicagoland will convince them to counter if you are a qualified buyer.

·      Making the best offer Possible

o   Present the top price you are willing to pay, and try to avoid the negotiation process altogether. Your Chicagoland realtor can help find a price that works for you, so you can make a higher offer as a starting point in negotiations.

·      Fair Priced Home

o   If you find a desirable property that is fairly priced, make an offer near the asking price bringing about a quick and easy compromise. If the price is fair then others may also be interested, so don't get caught up in negotiating just to save a few dollars.

·      Homeowner Information

o   Your Realtor in Chicagoland will collect data that will give you a strategic edge in negotiations. Do they need to close sooner or later? Are they planning to keep certain fixtures or appliances? Is there work that still needs to be done on the house? These variables may give you an opportunity to offer a lower price simply to accommodate the seller.

·      Patience is Your Friend

o   When you find a home you really like, but the asking price is unfair, don’t be afraid to take it slow. Place a low bid, and only raise your bid in small increments. See whether they are interested in your offer. If the Seller is unsatisfied and you still want the home, communicate with your Chicagoland realtor to find a price that shows interest and convinces the Seller to settle.

·      Double Mortgage

o   If you need to sell your home, but don't want to or cannot carry two mortgages. You can offer to pay a lower price with no contingency on the sale, or a higher price with the contingency. An experienced realtor will help guide you through the decision process.

Chicagoland Realtor Bob Rizza 

Post by: Identity Dental Marketing